Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1887-08-06
Mrs, Blacks Reception.
BY ALLAN ENDICOTT.

II was exactly 730 A. NJ. and, as
was tho wont at the Browns mansion,
breakfast was already laid and the
Browns were seated at the table dis
cussed in novels, | believe, SO let us
use the phrase here; it sounds so much
more Iolite than more commonplace
expression. In reality it wasn't chops
and eggs that the Browns were discuss
ing. but soap; that is, Mr.. Brown was
holding forth on the thousands Of pounds
ofA. No !. large bars. that the great
firm Of S. Browns Sons had shipped
during the week past. Eyes. sir, we're
Just booming things" he remarked
cheerfully. Il expect to make mint
Of money on that Diamond No. b
that's the new brand. you know"
Mrs. Brown evidently did know. for
she went on pouring out the coffee
from the silver urn, and revolving in
her mind her mornings shopping list.
without paying the slightest attention
to her husbands soapine rhapsody. We
can't blame her for not listening -
didn't the Browns have soap with every
meal? 1t was sometimes one brand,
sometimes another. but always soap;
unless. perchance, Mr.. Brown spoke in
. guarded way Of 1.-The lodge" Mr..
Brown was not little proud of his
connection with an august Masonic
body and always spoke of the lodge in
most reverent terms.
Mrs. Brown awoke from her reverie
with suddenness that caused her to
stop in the midst of pouring out the
last cup of coffee. WHY, Caroline,
my dear child. what are you to wear to
the reception l forgot all about your
new dress being at Mime. Maglarte' s;
and she said she couldn't possibly have
1t fixed before Saturday. You can't
wear that pink dress again"
''RecepiionT interrupted Mr.. Brown.
"Whst reception?"
why, at Mrs. Black 5; we're invited
there to reception on Thursday"
ALL iuNlltu. IShtu MI. DEOWU
with q rueful countenance.
"Of course; it's an evening recep-
ton
Have got to go?" lie asked, heav-
ing heavy sigh.
You haven't got TO CO." replied
Mrs. Brown sternly.
Bother the receptionr' said Mr..
Brown. Haven't we had about enough
Of them for a while? They're an awful
bore. I'd rather have my head cut of
than 90 to reception. I'd sooner stay
home, any day." he added. not noticing
what q dreadfully weak climax he had
made for his bloodthIrsty sentiment.
but ! suppose we've got to 60" and
N Brown breathed forth another
deep martyr-like sigh.
s',As1ssaid before, Dan'L there's nc
got to go about it. II you don't want
togo very well, we won't go. and that
the end Of it." Mrs. Brown closed
her lips firmly, while her CRIMSON face
and sparkling eyes bespoke the
wrath that was sMothered within her
bosom.
well. ] suppose we'd better CO."
said Mr.. Brown IN q oonciliating
tone.
mrs. Brown, however. deigned nc
reply. As far as outward appearance:
went, she had become quite composed
withal a little rigid perhaps, and
presently was talking with Caroline Of
some new gowns, a new livery fol
James, and of several other thing.
totally irrelevant to Mr.. Browns re
marks. Mr.. Brown retired behind his
morning paper, and you may be sure
he did not again mention the invita-
ton for Thursday.
Mrs. Brown and her daughter still
fingered at the table after Mr.. Brow
had departed for the scene of his soap,
interests. The bang of the front doo
was no sooner heard, than the converse
ton abruptly changed.
~ declare, Caroline" broke fortl
MRS. Brown, 'your father is at time
tne most aggravating man! You,
think to hear him talk that we JUS
dragged him out to companies. He'
une queerest man in the world abou
sucn tn'ngs; he always makes out tina
NO ooesn want to go gu. of an eve
n,hg' when l know all the time h,
kes 10 go really believe ne epioy
u more than do, only he won't owl
up 10 IL. These men ALWAYS preten,
IT'S the women that want to do tn
gong; but the men are every bit a
anxious to 60. I'm sure they wouldn'
say at home for worlds. Don't yo
Know. Il was Just so at the Smiths bal
last month; Dan'l hemmed and have
ABOUT IL when the invitation came. bu
wnen the ght came he was possesse
20 60; l really didn't want to 20 m,
sen that night; you remember Mn,
Mseaarte d'sappo nted me in nv dress
QUE nothing would do but we must &c
% 60 We did"
Iney had risen from the table an
suolled into the parlor. Miss Caroliu
seated herself at the piano and bega
'cAlng out . popular waltz Mr.
Drown rocked ont at the window 40
remarked that James had again torgo
zen 70 put the lawn sprinkler out.
he wants me 10 urge him to 90
continued Mrs. Brown as ihone
lanes We're the culprit. ..Wh1
hwsday-night comes Won II s.. he
re crazy TO go. But marx nv wor,,
NOS